| Superfrog | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Team17 |
| Publisher(s) | Team17 |
| Platform(s) | Amiga, PC, Amiga CD32 |
| Release date(s) | 1993 |
| Genre(s) | Platform game |
| Mode(s) | Single player |
| Rating(s) | N/A |
Superfrog is a 2D Platform game developed for the Amiga by Team17 Software in 1993, then converted for the PC by Bubball Systems in 1994. The Amiga version was popular enough to spawn an Amiga CD32 version, which could also be played on some Amiga computers fitted with a CD drive.
Contents |
The story, present in the game's manual but mostly conveyed through the introductory animation by Eric W. Schwartz, concerns an unnamed prince, who is turned into a frog by a jealous witch, in homage to the Frog Prince fairy tale. His princess girlfriend is then abducted by the same witch. Subsequently sulking by the "River O' Despair", the prince chances upon a floating bottle of Lucozade, which confers upon him super powers.
The game features an overt commercial tie-in with the energy drink Lucozade as a health-boosting powerup, similar to the Chupa Chups sponsorship of Zool, 7-Up's sponsorship of Cool Spot and Quavers sponsorship of Pushover
The objective of the game is to find and defeat the witch, then rescue the princess, while achieving smaller objectives throughout, such as finding a golden key or escaping from captivity through a circus. When the player has defeated the witch, a quick end sequence shows the frog and the princess kissing, but - rather than the frog turning back into the prince - the princess is turned into a frog instead.
There are 24 regular levels divided in six differently themed worlds. The goal of each level is to collect a set number of coins, and then reach the exit, which will only open if Superfrog has collected enough coins. Extra factors of gameplay include a timer countdown and a number of health points, both of which can be restored by finding bottled of Lucozade among the levels.
Depending on the number of coins and fruit collected, and on how fast the player finishes the level, a number of credits (up to a maximum of 15) are awarded at the end of each level. The player can then choose to either collect the credits for a score or gamble them in a slot machine-style minigame for more bonuses. The most important function of the slot machine minigame is the chance to win a level code enabling the player to restart the game from the beginning of the next level at a later time.
An extra level between world 5 and 6 takes the form of a side-scrolling shoot 'em up called Project-F in homage to Team 17's own Project-X (even going as far as using a remixed version of the original game's theme tune). Rather than collecting coins, the objective of this stage is to survive to the end. This level was omitted from the PC conversion of the game.
After completing all six worlds, the game ends with a small boss fight against the witch.
Team17's earlier games became relatively obscure after the release of the hugely popular Worms series, though many gamers remember Superfrog fondly for its solid gameplay, smooth scrolling, cartoon-quality graphics, and upbeat music. Although a relatively small release by the standards of blockbuster platformers like Sonic, it was very well received and has retained a fan base which considers it a technically perfect example of the genre.[1] It has had at least two fan sites online, the largest and most popular being Superfrog: The Tribute Site.
Over the years, rumours have circulated about potential sequels to the original. Skytopia.com published a brief news snippet about a potential sequel, quoting an unnamed programmer as saying "It is going to be amazing". There have also been rumours of a potential DS or PSP revival of the original. A Team17 animator also changed his avatar on the Team17 forum to that of a freshly animated Superfrog walk cycle.
Team17 themselves appear not to have forgotten about Superfrog, as the titular character - the frog himself - makes cameo appearances in their most recent games, notably Worms Blast and Worms 3D. Martyn "Spadge" Brown, Creative Director at Team17, also expressed an interest in reviving the character in a new Superfrog title, although later on he was quoted at saying this was "just a concept".